Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2025]

Let Her GoPassenger8rank/position

Passenger | Let Her Go (Official Video)

A melancholic track released in 2012 by the British singer-songwriter Passenger.

It was inspired by his ex-girlfriend.

The song was used in a Budweiser commercial that aired during the 2014 Super Bowl.

You Da OneRihanna9rank/position

Rihanna – You Da One

An upbeat track that perfectly captures that common feeling at the very start of falling in love—when your head is completely filled with thoughts of him.

As you listen, you’ll want to do nothing but think about him and revel in the intoxicating feeling of being in love.

Chasing PavementsAdele10rank/position

Adele – Chasing Pavements (Official Music Video)

Adele, who hails from the UK, drew attention with her debut album 19 in 2008 and took the world by storm with 21, released in 2011.

Her emotionally rich mezzo-soprano voice and poignant songwriting have captured the hearts of countless listeners.

The song introduced here, Chasing Pavements, is an early-career track released in 2008 that garnered acclaim as a stirring ballad.

It delicately portrays emotions swaying between heartbreak and unrequited love, resonating strongly with women who have had such experiences.

The dilemma of whether to keep pursuing or to set off on a new path is sure to strike a chord with you as well.

On a cold night alone with your thoughts, or in moments when you’re trying to move past a lost love, give it a listen.

Adele’s Chasing Pavements may soothe the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love and guide you toward a new first step.

wish you were gayBillie Eilish11rank/position

Billie Eilish – wish you were gay (Official Audio)

Billie Eilish, now a young singer-songwriter America proudly presents to the world and a much-watched icon of the scene, released her song “wish you were gay” in March 2019, earning strong resonance among listeners.

The track masterfully captures the complex feelings that arise when affection isn’t returned by the one you care about, making it a song that truly speaks to many women experiencing unrequited love today.

Showcasing Billie’s delicate vocals and distinctive expressiveness, the piece conveys the aching sorrow of one-sided love as well as the small glimmers of hope found within it.

It’s a song to play during quiet moments—when you’re lost in thought alone at a café, or when your heart drifts with the scenery on a walk.

In particular, its reflections on self-love and self-acceptance suggest Billie’s own courage in facing her inner self, offering listeners strong empathy and encouragement.

Want U BackCher Lloyd12rank/position

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back (US Version)

This is a unrequited-love song by Charloyde that’s steadily cementing its status as a classic, showcasing a commanding presence through the punch of a rising vocalist and painting lyrics that are both beautiful and sublime.

The melody, perfectly matched to the heartrending lyrics, swells gently into an elegant, refined piece.

Stay With MeSam Smith13rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

As soon as they emerged as a new-generation singer, they quickly gained popularity.

This unrequited love song by Sam Smith showcases their talent for a more contemporary, future-forward sound.

Its translucent sonic texture elevates it into a masterpiece that beautifully conveys a longing for love.

GrenadeBruno Mars14rank/position

Bruno Mars – Grenade (Official Music Video)

Bruno Mars, a singer-songwriter from Hawaii with overwhelming vocal prowess who keeps releasing hit songs, is known for his diverse musicality spanning pop, R&B, and funk.

This track, included on his debut album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” released in October 2010, topped the Billboard Hot 100.

The song portrays an achingly devoted unrequited love: even knowing there will be no reciprocation, the narrator vows to take on any pain for the other person.

Riding on powerful piano and beats, Bruno Mars’s commanding, almost cry-like vocals resonate deeply with the anguish of a one-way love.

When your heart feels like it’s about to burst from the frustration of being unable to confess your feelings, listening to this song might help you share that pain.